Rhubarb fermentation issues

[jkrug]

I am having issues getting my wine to start fermenting. I have used 71b yeast. Acid test kit reads .45%. Checked ph it read 2.85. Temp is 70 degrees. Did not use a starter. Never do and dont have issues. Any thoughts about what issue could be?

 

[Johnd]

I am having issues getting my wine to start fermenting. I have used 71b yeast. Acid test kit reads .45%. Checked ph it read 2.85. Temp is 70 degrees. Did not use a starter. Never do and dont have issues. Any thoughts about what issue could be?

At first blush, pH 2.85 is really low. I don't know what 71B likes, but that's a pretty low starting point.......

 

[sour_grapes]

Here is a relevant response from our resident rhubarb wine expert:

I have had a lot of trouble using 71b with rhubarb wine. Try as I might, most of the time it fails to get started. I've had some luck at home with my small batches, but never could get it to work in the winery. I don't know if there is something in rhubarb that naturally suppresses this yeast. I fall back on ole reliable - EC1118. It never fails.